NY deli's like Katz, etc. definitely pile on a lot more than the regular at Scottie's.... but in my opinion that is just an absurd amount of food.

Plenty of places around town where you can find quantity over quality.... Trust me I've gained a few pounds eating at them.

Reached a point though where I'm generally more concerned with quality over quantity. Hoping there are enough others with that mindset to keep places like Scottie's and more places like it going.

When it comes to food I have no problem paying for quality, I was just disappointed with the portion.

NY deli's like Katz, etc. definitely pile on a lot more than the regular at Scottie's.... but in my opinion that is just an absurd amount of food.

At Katz they tend to slice it thin to pile it on. I haven't been to Scotties so I can't comment. I am a bit of a deli snob and I have never been able to find a decent deli in oklahoma up to my standards

At Katz they tend to slice it thin to pile it on. I haven't been to Scotties so I can't comment. I am a bit of a deli snob and I have never been able to find a decent deli in oklahoma up to my standards
What are your thoughts on Brown Bag and Someplace Else?

What are your thoughts on Brown Bag and Someplace Else?

I prefer Someplace Else. I haven't been to brown bag in a long while but I remember not really liking the bread. Someplace else has some nice homemade rye and the prices are nice.

I good dressing really goes a long way as well. When I was in New York a few years back I just did a pilgrimage of deli everyday for lunch. Pastrami queen and Liebman's were pretty great but those New York prices hit hard! Mile End was good as well but I remember they are from Canada (I think) and did some neat combos for deli.

Pastrami queen and Liebman's were pretty great but those New York prices hit hard!

How much was a regular pastrami sandwich with side and beverage (as to compare with Scotties) at a respectable NYC deli?

How much was a regular pastrami sandwich with side and beverage (as to compare with Scotties) at a respectable NYC deli?

$15 to $20 bucks. Mind you I usually split it with the wife. Pastrami Queen in particular really stuffs them.

Wow! Expensive to live in NYC!

I went for the second time today and it was as good or better than the first. I went with the New York New York again and it's one of my favorite sandwiches in the city. They weren't slammed by any means, but they had a steady stream of business for the 30-45 minutes or so we were there. I'm curious if they're running into any issues, or push back, with pricing (similar to Maples) where people don't appreciate or understand the quality of the meat they are serving and the time commitment it takes to make them. ~$11 for my sandwich seemed appropriate, and I was by no means hungry afterwards.

I've seen a post or two compare this to katz or other NY delis.

For me, even though I am going to NYC/Katz soon (to see how it compares), I'll take this for what it is and that's a great sandwich option for OKC.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/scotties111917.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower111917.jpg

Went to Katz back in May. Pastrami sandwich was $22.00, could only eat 1/2 it was so big but I shared some of their excellent fries (huge portion for $6.00 I think) with the family. That was the best sandwich I've ever eaten, not kidding.

Went to Katz back in May. Pastrami sandwich was $22.00, could only eat 1/2 it was so big but I shared some of their excellent fries (huge portion for $6.00 I think) with the family. That was the best sandwich I've ever eaten, not kidding.

That and some choice pizza alone are worth a trip to NYC.

Currently in NYC. I had Katz late last night. I ordered the pastrami sandwich, the fries, the reuben, and a matzo ball soup.

Having tried both places now, I think Scotties is going in a good direction. Call me crazy, I may even prefer it to Katz.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Osg9CL2P8erlGaOt2
Picture of the pastrami + fries

I liked the thickness of the meat, and how it was very tender. Scotties has a richer flavor profile. The bottom bread was soggy and there was a deceptive amount of grease from the sandwich (which I like). Fries are steak fries that weren't seasoned/salted.

Here's a picture of the pastrami-esque sandwich I had at Scotties

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9iVMf7ogm9kRPRob2

The sandwich heights are similar, but the bread size is different. Katz offers larger bread size and as a result offers more meat. The difference in portions of meat received could be considered negated by differences in price. I suspect the "NY" portion would either be on par or offer more than Katz at the same price point.

Back to just Katz, I preferred the reuben flavors to the pastrami. The corned beef was thicker than the pastrami, and had a ton of fat. Unfortunately, it made the meat very chewy and kind of hard to swallow as a result. I imagine the ultimate combo for me would be pastrami meat + the turkey meat I saw there with the reuben dressings.

IMHO, even though Katz is famous, there are a number of delis with better Reubens and Pastami sandwiches in Manhattan. Maybe Scottie’s will surprise me, but I haven’t found anything close in OKC yet.

IMHO, even though Katz is famous, there are a number of delis with better Reubens and Pastami sandwiches in Manhattan. Maybe Scottie’s will surprise me, but I haven’t found anything close in OKC yet.

Give me this list.

Give me this list.

I will try to locate the place in Queens where I really enjoyed their pastrami and Swiss on rye. I didn't make it to Katz, but if it's as good or better than the one in Queens I'm really sorry I missed it.
C. T.

IMHO, even though Katz is famous, there are a number of delis with better Reubens and Pastami sandwiches in Manhattan. Maybe Scottie’s will surprise me, but I haven’t found anything close in OKC yet.

The food critics of New York Magazine disagree with you. Although I would love to see your list by all means. "Better than Katz's" for pastrami would be high praise.

Here's New York's list:

http://www.grubstreet.com/bestofnewyork/best-pastrami-nyc.html

That’s like reading the best barbecue list in the Gazette.... Earls, Rib Crib, .... people need to go try instead of reading lists.

The New York New York, which is the exact sandwich I get at canters or Katz, half pastrami half corned beef on seeded rye w/ kraut cheese and mustard instead of ketchupy mayo (thousand island). Is not what I would call a reach to clone these delis. It’s got its own style since they heavily smoke the pastrami and make their own kraut. It’s a very very good sandwich. But I wouldn’t go expecting a clone. Scottie’s is legit in what it’s trying to do and it’s identity. Which is a kind of hybrid between a quick serve, counter sandwich shop and a full blown, sit-down delicatessen.

That New York New York is more or less what I always get, it's so good and hard to stray from.

The New York New York, which is the exact sandwich I get at canters or Katz, half pastrami half corned beef on seeded rye w/ kraut cheese and mustard instead of ketchupy mayo (thousand island). Is not what I would call a reach to clone these delis. It’s got its own style since they heavily smoke the pastrami and make their own kraut. It’s a very very good sandwich. But I wouldn’t go expecting a clone. Scottie’s is legit in what it’s trying to do and it’s identity. Which is a kind of hybrid between a quick serve, counter sandwich shop and a full blown, sit-down delicatessen.

Great to know. And, I like that they aren't trying to be someone else. Haven't made it there yet, but am looking forward to it.

They will now be open Sundays 10-4.

Excellent news! That's a good sign.

That’s like reading the best barbecue list in the Gazette.... Earls, Rib Crib, .... people need to go try instead of reading lists.

You come across like such a jerk sometimes. Not sure if that's your intention. That New York Magazine list is nothing like the Gazette's Best of OKC; it's not a popularity vote of readers, it is the combined opinions of the food critics of New York Magazine.

Still, I would love to read your "Better pastrami than Katz's" list, if it actually exists.

There’s one in Brooklyn I like, I believe it is Frankel’s. Also is Court Grocers. Near our apartment was a place, Eisenbergs. And, of course, Katz. I was sad to see Carnegie close as it was a long time go to for me.

Don’t know why you keep feeling compelled to attack me when I disagree or don’t fall in line. I just happen to trust my own opinion on many things I have experience with rather than lists, even from “experts”. Things like food, music, movies, books, etc. often are a matter of personal preferences and just because something is popular doesn’t make it the best. Like I said, Earl’s is very popular and on many lists, but it isn’t necessarily where I would recommend barbecue enthusiasts from out of town to go first,

By the way, I’ve been to plent of restaurants touted by the NYT that were far from great,

And a final btw on this thread and your defense of Katz...I like Katz a lot. It is better than anything here. It just isn’t my favorite in NYC.

And a final btw on this thread and your defense of Katz...I like Katz a lot. It is better than anything here. It just isn’t my favorite in NYC.

I probably should have started my statement on something like this. I think Katz is better than the lot here. I just happen to prefer Scotties, and I have a feeling I could find better in NYC if I had more time there.

I had a meeting with Eric yesterday and it looks like they are going to be adding a small patio in front.

I had a meeting with Eric yesterday and it looks like they are going to be adding a small patio in front.

Yes, he had applied for design approval a few months ago.

The sidewalk along 23rd has plenty of room for some tables and chairs and would add life to the entire area. I hope the other bars and restaurants will do the same.

Pizza 23 and Big Truck were the patio pioneers in this area

I had a meeting with Eric yesterday and it looks like they are going to be adding a small patio in front.


This is great news. I have been hoping 23rd would have more of a street presence. Now if only they will get started on the sidewalk improvements it could be a really nice walkable area.

A little while ago, Scottie's switched from making their own bread to using Esca Vitae. Now that Esca Vitae has closed, anybody know what they're going to do for bread?

A little while ago, Scottie's switched from making their own bread to using Esca Vitae. Now that Esca Vitae has closed, anybody know what they're going to do for bread?

Found out they went back to baking it themselves a couple of months ago when we went. Ate there last night and found out that about 2 weeks ago, they added hot dogs and a bunch of fried stuff to their dinner menu, don't think that update has made it online or to their paper printed menus yet (it's on their laminated ones). Fries are *huge* (2-3 servings easily), but great - hand-cut, peels still on, fried super-crispy.

^

Scottie's hired one of the Esca Vitae bakers.

Rip

They have announced Feb 29th will be their last day.

Just wanted to say that the owner of this place, Eric, absolutely busted his ass and did everything he could to make the place a success.

As someone who has also invested heavily in this community, I just hate to see them not make it.

Just wanted to say that the owner of this place, Eric, absolutely busted his ass and did everything he could to make the place a success.

As someone who has also invested heavily in this community, I just hate to see them not make it.

I totally agree, it's a shame it died, but it's kind of their own fault, if I may be so bold. We ate there within a few weeks of opening, wasn't great, but later on it did get great (we ate there probably a total of 7-8 times) - tasted good, portion size was good, lots of variety, service was good. But the last time we went, it was like a Subway in a gas station - sandwiches weren't very big (yes, I understand a ton of places overserve at the beginning and then realize that's not sustainable and cut down, but it was ridiculous how much they cut, at least on our sandwiches), presentation was completely sloppy and just thrown together, didn't taste that great. Service was still decent though, but everything else had gone downhill, which is something that's completely on them, because if you start sucking, people aren't gonna go back (we'd go to Gusto or someplace else (not the deli :))).

^

I'm sure they just couldn't provide the quality and portions at a price point that people will pay in this town.

They were trying to do everything from scratch, which is highly ambitious.

^

I'm sure they just couldn't provide the quality and portions at a price point that people will pay in this town.

They were trying to do everything from scratch, which is highly ambitious.

Yeah this one is not surprising but is a bummer. Loved what they were trying to do and hopefully someone will be successful with it in the near future. We still haven't convinced ourselves (this problem isn't limited to OKC) that it's ok to pay a premium for high quality versions of food that we historically perceive as "cheap."

^

I'm sure they just couldn't provide the quality and portions at a price point that people will pay in this town.

They were trying to do everything from scratch, which is highly ambitious.

Good point, but I just can't reconcile that people wouldn't pay the prices at Scottie's for high-quality, made-from-scratch food, yet they'd pay the prices at Sandwich Club for something that isn't even in the same universe as Scottie's (at least when Scottie's started). And yeah, I know they're both gone, but point still stands.

Other places do the made-from-scratch thing all the time and succeed, not sure why they didn't, but anyway, hope he does well in the future...

I don't think Sandwich Club ever had a fraction of the business and of course, they failed too.

While its very cool to have places like this, or Maples and Buttermilk take urban district locations. I cant help but wonder if concepts like those would have a better shot at success in a more suburban, higher car traffic, plenty of parking locations type of location. We have seen the success of Clark Crew, and Maples was at least as good as Clarks, yet they struggled in the Plaza. I know its not as cool to go in a basic shopping center but that may be something thats better suited for the masses.

Regardless, props to all these people who take a risk to bring us good food and add to our cool neighborhoods.

Again, it's really bizarre to use examples like Maple's as failing because they were in an urban, not suburban, environment when all the restaurants around them are killing it in the same environment.

Good point, but I just can't reconcile that people wouldn't pay the prices at Scottie's for high-quality, made-from-scratch food...

I'd point out any thread that involves bbq, or specifically ganache patisserie. Granted Ganache is still in business *knocks on wood*.

best cuban around

best cuban around

Then the rest in OKC must be reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllyyyyyyyyyy sad, 'cos when I had it, it wasn't anywhere close to a good, much less best, Cuban. However, when my wife had it some months before I did, it was decent, but still nowhere close to the best.

I'd point out any thread that involves bbq, or specifically ganache patisserie. Granted Ganache is still in business *knocks on wood*.

Ha, another good point, which reminds me, we've got a $25 gift card to Ganache we need to use (before it gets too hot so our stuff doesn't melt on the way home).

While its very cool to have places like this, or Maples and Buttermilk take urban district locations. I cant help but wonder if concepts like those would have a better shot at success in a more suburban, higher car traffic, plenty of parking locations type of location. We have seen the success of Clark Crew, and Maples was at least as good as Clarks, yet they struggled in the Plaza. I know its not as cool to go in a basic shopping center but that may be something thats better suited for the masses.

Regardless, props to all these people who take a risk to bring us good food and add to our cool neighborhoods.

Has there never been a restaurant close on Memorial?

While its very cool to have places like this, or Maples and Buttermilk take urban district locations. I cant help but wonder if concepts like those would have a better shot at success in a more suburban, higher car traffic, plenty of parking locations type of location. We have seen the success of Clark Crew, and Maples was at least as good as Clarks, yet they struggled in the Plaza. I know its not as cool to go in a basic shopping center but that may be something thats better suited for the masses.

Regardless, props to all these people who take a risk to bring us good food and add to our cool neighborhoods.

We never go to the plaza because we hate the parking issues. I know for a fact we're not the only people that don't go there for that reason, so there could be something said for that.

We never go to the plaza because we hate the parking issues. I know for a fact we're not the only people that don't go there for that reason, so there could be something said for that.

At the same time, part of the district's success and why it appeals to people that do go there is that it isn't just a big parking lot. I don't think I've ever had to park more than a block or two off 16th and, honestly, when I do, I usually enjoy the walk. So, what some may see as a "parking issue", some enjoy as a feature of the district.

I don't usually go to Memorial because I don't like its parking issues. That is, if you want to go to more than one place, you usually have to move your car and park again each time and, once you do park, whatever walking you're doing is just walking past other parked cars and nothing else. I know for a fact that I'm not the only one who doesn't go there for that reason, as well.

The best part of it is, though, we now have choices. Both traditional walk-able neighborhood districts and strip mall parking lot areas are available and successful in OKC. Not so much 20 years ago. We really only had the latter at that point.

Each format does present different situations for their merchants, which means different solutions and/or business models may be needed. But, in both cases, potential success or failure isn't exclusively based on the environment or setting.

I cant help but wonder if concepts like those would have a better shot at success in a more suburban, higher car traffic, plenty of parking locations type of location.

Maybe they would, but it's not like these districts aren't drawing business in general.

Really, when we're talking about restaurants, there are so many factors at play. Many, many quality and even popular restaurants don't make it. Given that the inventory literally spoils, even one brief misstep in anticipating demand can really put a strain on operations, no matter how good the food is or how popular it normally is.

Has there never been a restaurant close on Memorial?


Buddha Tao/Bikinis/some southern restaurant. All the same building. Also the place that fungs branched off into. Does Wes Welker's count?

Buddha Tao/Bikinis/some southern restaurant. All the same building. Also the place that fungs branched off into. Does Wes Welker's count?

I wonder if it was lack of parking or lack of car traffic that led to the ultimate demise of those establishments. Perhaps both?

I wonder if it was lack of parking or lack of car traffic that led to the ultimate demise of those establishments. Perhaps both?

I'd have to imagine traffic. Pub W is going strong, I ask if Wes welkers' counts cause it's essentially the same parent company. May and Memorial is one of the busier intersections. Salt grass is getting along okay. Not sure how/why

If Someplace Else Deli is in existence, I'm not going someplace else. Scottie's was fine, but a much higher price point than Someplace Else.

Again, it's really bizarre to use examples like Maple's as failing because they were in an urban, not suburban, environment when all the restaurants around them are killing it in the same environment.


Has there never been a restaurant close on Memorial?

Im not saying this for all restaurants, as of course many Plaza restaurants appear to do good business. But I suspect not all restaurants work well in Plaza or uptown 23rd. Maples made great bbq and good bbq will draw from all over, and many of those folks may not know about plaza or are turned off by it. For Scotties, its mostly a lunch concept and lunch people need easy quick access and I bet many dont perceive thats the case with that location.

This is just speculation on my part. Lots a factors go into a successful restaurant, its not just that they can make good food. I once again give props to all these operators for putting their time and money into making our city better.

If Someplace Else Deli is in existence, I'm not going someplace else. Scottie's was fine, but a much higher price point than Someplace Else.

Someplace Else's food = 5 on a quality level (1-10, 10 being highest), Scottie's = 8.5 (when they first started), not really even comparable. And yes, Scottie's prices reflected that quality. Personally, we think Someplace Else is in between Subway (2) and Neptune's (6-ish).

Im not saying this for all restaurants, as of course many Plaza restaurants appear to do good business. But I suspect not all restaurants work well in Plaza or uptown 23rd. Maples made great bbq and good bbq will draw from all over, and many of those folks may not know about plaza or are turned off by it. For Scotties, its mostly a lunch concept and lunch people need easy quick access and I bet many dont perceive thats the case with that location.

This is just speculation on my part. Lots a factors go into a successful restaurant, its not just that they can make good food. I once again give props to all these operators for putting their time and money into making our city better.

Scottie's could've been a dinner concept too - they have hundreds of people walking right by them 3-4 (or more) nights a week going to the Tower, and we used to eat there before a Tower show (park in the lot across 23rd an hour before the show when parking is still available, walk across 23rd, eat, walk 10 steps next door to the Tower). Maybe folks going to the Tower don't eat right before a show, or eat elsewhere and then drive to the Tower, I don't know, but it seems like lots of restaurants would kill for that much foot traffic literally feet from their door and do as much as they could to pull people in.